Dolly Sods Wilderness, Hard 4x4 trail in Davis, WV
    Hard
    Hidden Gem
    4.7

    Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Davis, WVSoutheast

    Dolly Sods Wilderness is a hard 25 miles off-road trail near Davis, WV. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 33"+ all-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    Dolly Sods is unlike anything else east of the Mississippi, a windswept highland plateau that looks more like the Canadian tundra than Appalachian West Virginia. Stunted red spruce, sphagnum bogs, and heath barrens create an otherworldly landscape at 4,000+ feet. Rocky forest roads access this unique ecosystem where 360-degree views stretch across the Allegheny Plateau in every direction.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Dolly Sods was used as a US Army artillery training ground during WWII. Unexploded ordnance may still exist.

    #2

    The stunted red spruce and heath barrens resemble Canadian tundra more than West Virginia.

    #3

    At 4,863 feet, it's one of the highest plateaus in the eastern United States.

    Length
    25 miles
    Elevation
    2,500 - 4,863 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    Tundra-like plateauRed spruce bogs360° viewsUnique ecosystemWWII history

    🛞 Tires

    required
    33"+ all-terrain tires
    Rocky access roads

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    recommended
    Recovery straps

    Closest campgrounds to Dolly Sods Wilderness:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    38.9934, -79.3412

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    Map of Davis, WV

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